Stax Readies Otis Redding's Live on the Sunset Strip

On May 18, old-school soul fans can purchase a slice of music history in the form of a 2-CD box set featuring the recordings of a series of 1966 live performances by Otis Redding at Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles. Live On The Sunset Strip covers three live sets, sequenced exactly as the sets unfolded, including Redding’s spoken intros. The set also includes a booklet with rare photos and liner note commentary by NPR Morning Edition’s Ashley Kahn. “In 1966, Redding was 24 and defined not only the sound but the style and look of a true soul man. Tall and lanky, he was ready to drop to his knees and tear off the thin-lapelled jacket of his sharply pressed suit when it was time to deliver the goods,” Kahn’s notes read. “His ten-piece band was his personal, traveling amen-corner, urging him to testify night after night . . . His out-of-breath stage patter was warm and downhome. ‘Ladies and gentlemens,’ he addressed his fans, ‘holler as loud as you wanna — you ain’t home!’” The set marks the first time the live sets, which include “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” “Security,” “I Can’t Turn You Loose,” “Satisfaction,” “Respect,” “These Arms of Mine” and “Just One More Day,” have been available in their entirety.